Adjustable armrest

ABSTRACT

An armrest mounted to a base and a method of inhibiting the movement of an armrest is disclosed. The armrest comprises an armrest support member adapted to be coupled to the base, the armrest support member being movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. The armrest also includes a release mechanism configured to selectively engage the armrest support member to retain the armrest support member between the first position and the second position. The method comprises operating the user interface to reduce friction between the cam and the rail sufficient to permit movement of the armrest support member, moving the armrest support member between the forward position and the rearward position, and releasing the user interface whereby the cam applies sufficient friction to inhibit movement of the armrest support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/299,365 titled “Adjustable Armrest” filed Jun.19, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 26032-3766), the full disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an armrest. More particularly,the present invention relates to an armrest that is adjustable between aforward position and a rearward position, and retained in place by aretaining mechanism.

[0003] Armrests in vehicles such as automobiles are generally known.Such known armrests are sometimes pivotable to expose a storagecompartment (e.g., a bin), but are not otherwise movable or adjustable.Additionally, placement and size of known armrests are designed toaccommodate a deviation covering most adults. However, many occupants(or users of these armrests) are unable to enjoy the full use of knownarmrests because they fall outside the deviation it is designed toaccommodate. Also, many users of known armrests would prefer a differentconfiguration of their armrest, instead of that which has been designed“for” them.

[0004] To provide an inexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptableadjustable armrest that avoids the above-referenced and other problemswould represent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A primary feature of the present invention is to provide aninexpensive, easy-to-manufacture and aesthetically-pleasing infinitelyadjustable armrest that overcomes the above-noted disadvantages.

[0006] Another feature of the present invention is to provide an armrestthat provides for translational adjustment forward and rearward of avehicle.

[0007] Another feature of the present invention is to provide anadjustable armrest with a cam mechanism that provides for sturdy andeasy adjustment.

[0008] How these and other advantages and features of the presentinvention are accomplished (individually, collectively, or in varioussubcombinations) will be described in the following detailed descriptionof the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunctionwith the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished in anarmrest mounted to a base. The armrest comprises an armrest supportmember adapted to be coupled to the base, movable in a linear directionbetween a first position and a second position. The armrest alsocomprises a release mechanism configured to selectively engage thearmrest support member to retain the armrest support member between thefirst position and the second position.

[0009] These and other advantages and features of the present inventionmay also be accomplished in a vehicle console. The vehicle consolecomprises a base, an armrest support member coupled to the base andmovable in a linear direction between a first position and a secondposition, a release mechanism configured to selectively engage thearmrest support member to retain the armrest support member between thefirst position and the second position. The armrest support member isfrictionally retained at any point along a range of movement thereof.

[0010] These and other advantages and features of the present inventionmay also be accomplished in an armrest mounted to a base. The armrestcomprises an armrest selectively positionable relative to the base,means such as a device for retaining the armrest in a selected position,and means such as a device for releasing the armrest from the electedposition.

[0011] These and other advantages and features of the present inventionmay also be accomplished in a method of inhibiting the movement of anarmrest that includes a base, an armrest support member movable betweena forward position and a rearward position, and a release mechanismhaving a user interface and a cam operatively coupled to a rail. Themethod comprises operating the user interface to reduce friction betweenthe cam and the rail sufficient to permit movement of the armrestsupport member, moving the armrest support member between the forwardposition and the rearward position, releasing the user interface wherebythe cam applies sufficient friction to inhibit movement of the armrestsupport member.

[0012] The present invention further relates to various features andcombinations of features shown and described in the disclosedembodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of thedisclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in thefollowing specification or will become apparent to those skilled in theart after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemedto fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fallwithin the scope of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a console with an adjustablearmrest in a stowed or rearward position according to an exemplaryembodiment.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a console with the adjustablearmrest of FIG. 1 but in a deployed or forward position.

[0015]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the console with an adjustablearmrest of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable armrest with therelease mechanism in a rearward actuated position.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable armrest with therelease mechanism in a frontward or forward biased position.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the adjustablearmrest according to a preferred embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a slider and latch spring mounted toa substrate.

[0020]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the substrate or armrest supportmember.

[0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slider.

[0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the latch spring.

[0023]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a cam actuator, latch, cams, and camsprings mounted to the armrest support member.

[0024]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cam link or actuator.

[0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the latch.

[0026]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cam.

[0027]FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a slide cover, cam pivot bracket,and guides mounted to the bottom side of the armrest support member.

[0028]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the slider cover.

[0029]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cam pivot bracket.

[0030]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the slider assembly or guide.

[0031]FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a liner mounted to the substrate orarmrest support member.

[0032]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the liner.

[0033]FIG. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of the adjustablearmrest according to an alternative embodiment.

[0034]FIG. 22 is a top plan schematic view of a cam member for theadjustable arrest of FIG. 21.

[0035]FIG. 23 is a side schematic view the adjustable armrest of FIG.21.

[0036]FIG. 24 is a fragmentary top plan schematic view the adjustablearmrest according to an alternative embodiment.

[0037]FIG. 25 is a sectional schematic view the adjustable armrest ofFIG. 24.

[0038]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cam member for the adjustablearrest of FIG. 24.

[0039] Before explaining a number preferred, exemplary, and alternativeembodiments of the invention in detail it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to the details of construction and thearrangement of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It isalso to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Before proceeding to the detailed description of the preferredand exemplary embodiments, several comments can be made about thegeneral applicability and the scope thereof. For example,while thecomponents of the disclosed embodiments will be illustrated as aadjustable armrest designed for a center console in an automobile, thefeatures of the disclosed embodiments have a much wider applicability.For example, the adjustable armrest design is adaptable for other typesof vehicles, for other locations within a vehicle (e.g., along a door,in the rear passenger compartment), for seating arrangements not locatedin vehicles (e.g., movie theaters, and other office, home, oreducational seating arrangements which employ an armrest). Further, thesize of the various components and the size of the armrests can bewidely varied.

[0041] Also, the particular materials used to construct the exemplaryembodiments are also illustrative. For example, injection moldedpolycarbonate is the preferred method and material for making thesubstrate, but other materials can be used, including otherthermoplastic resins such as polypropylene, other polyethylenes,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyurethane nylon, any of avariety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics withspecial additives, filled plastics, etc. Also, other molding operationsmay be used to form these components, such as blow molding, rotationalmolding, etc. Components of the armrest can also be manufactured fromother alloy materials such as steel or aluminum (e.g., stamped, cast,milled, machined, powdered metal, etc.). Also, the material selection isdependent on the desired strength and the intended performance of theadjustable armrest.

[0042] Further, the guide mechanisms or slide assemblies may be any of avariety of devices or designs configured to provide a sliding or lateraltranslational movement (e.g., dove-tail joint, conventional door ordrawer slides, greased (or ungreased) member on member interface (e.g.,plastic on plastic, plastic on metal, metal on metal, etc.), pneumaticor hydraulic cylinder, and the like.

[0043] Further, it is important to note that the term “armrest,” “cammechanism,” “liner,” and “substrate” are intended to be broad terms andnot terms of limitation. These components may be used with any of avariety of products or arrangements and are not intended to be limitedto use with automobile or even vehicle applications.

[0044] Proceeding now to descriptions of the preferred and exemplaryembodiments, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a center console 10 for a vehicle. FIG.3 shows an exploded view of the armrest and bin assembly. Center console10 includes a bin 12, a liner assembly 14 pivotally coupled to bin 12,and an armrest assembly configured to move between a forward position(FIG. 2) and a rearward position (FIG. 1) (e.g., telescope). Bin 12 mayhave any of a variety of conventional configurations and orientations.Alternatively, console 10 does not have a “bin” and yet still includesan adjustable armrest.

[0045] Liner assembly 14 includes a liner 18, a liner cover 20, and abin latch 22. Liner 18 is pivotally coupled to bin 12 by a hinge 24. Binlatch 22, biased by a coil spring 26, releasably engages bin 12 so thatliner 18 can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position.A hinge stop 28 is rigidly coupled at one end to a bottom surface 30 ofliner 18 and is configured to limit the pivotal movement of liner 18(e.g., to prevent damage to liner 18 or hinge 24). Liner cover 20 isattached to bottom surface 30 of liner 18 and is configured to providean aesthetic view when liner 18 is pivoted to an open position.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, an armrest assembly 16 is shown accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Armrest 16 is slidably coupled to liner 18and includes an armrest support member comprising an armrest cover 32, asubstrate 34, and a retainer 36. Armrest cover 32 is attached tosubstrate 34 and includes a cover sheet 38 (e.g., a sheet made fromvinyl, leather, plastic, etc.) and a pad (e.g., foam, cellulose, etc.)(not shown). Retainer 36 is configured to secure cover sheet 38 tosubstrate 34, and includes a series of conical points (e.g., “sharks”teeth) that press cover sheet 38 into a channel 39 on substrate 34.Retainer 36 and cover sheet 38 are further secured by fasteners coupledto a series of bosses 40 on bottom side 30 of substrate 34.

[0047] Substrate 34 is slidably coupled to liner 18 by a pair of guides42 (shown as slider tracks), and by a cam mechanism 43 engaged with arail 44. Substrate 34 is configured to move between a stowed position(see FIG. 1) and a deployed position (see FIG. 2).

[0048] Guides 42 have a conventional design and are configured toprovide for smooth movement of substrate 34 relative to liner 18, and toprovide support for forces exerted on armrest—particularly whensubstrate 34 is in the deployed position. Guides 42 includes a firsttrack 46 coupled to substrate 34, a second track 48 coupled to liner 18,and a bearing 49 located between first track 46 and second track 48.Guides 42 may be attached to liner 18 and substrate 34 using any of avariety of conventional methods (e.g., rivets, fasteners, heat staking,etc.).

[0049] Ends 50, 52 of rail 44 are mounted in channels 54, 56 in liner 18and secured in place by fasteners (not shown). Cam mechanism 43 isselectively slidably coupled to rail 44. Rail 44 may have any of avariety of configurations (e.g., square, rectangular, circular,elliptical, etc.). Rail 44 may be attached to liner 18 and substrate 34using any of a variety of conventional methods (e.g., rivets, fasteners,heat staking, etc.).

[0050] Cam mechanism 43 includes a latch 58, a bracket 60 (shown as acam pivot bracket), and a pair of brake or cam members (shown as anupper cam member 62 and a lower cam member 64). Upper and lower cammembers 62, 64 are pivotally coupled at one end 66 to bottom side 30 ofsubstrate 34. According to alternative embodiments, upper and lower cams62, 64 are not coupled at a single pivot or axle or axis. Upper andlower cams 62, 64 may be staggered and/or mounted at different pivots oraxes or axles.

[0051] Latch 58 includes a user interface (shown as a grip or handle68), a middle portion 70, and a rearward extending flange 72. Handle 68is generally disposed in a recess at a forward end of substrate 34 andis configured to be readably accessible to the user. Middle portion 70includes a pair of opposing flanges 74 that slidably engage guides ortracks 76 formed by a plurality of projections extending from bottomside 30 of substrate 34.

[0052] Flange 72 includes a pair of spaced apart projections 78, 80extending away from bottom side 30 of substrate 34. Projections 78, 80are configured to engage upper cam member 62 or lower cam member 64 aslatch 58 is slid rearward (FIG. 4) or frontward (FIG. 5). A stop 82extends from bottom surface 30 of substrate 34 to prevent latch 58 frombeing slid too far rearward.

[0053] Bracket 60 is mounted with fasteners 84 to a pair of bosses 88extending from bottom side 30 of substrate 34. Ends 66 of cam members62, 64 include a boss 90 configured to receive and pivot about an axle92 extending from bottom side 30. Bracket 60 is configured to secureupper and lower cam members 62, 64 on axle 92 and secures spring 94 tosubstrate 34.

[0054] A biasing member 94 (shown as a straight wire spring) isconfigured to move latch 58 to a neutral position wherein the cammembers are not engaged by projections. Biasing member 94 may be any ofa variety of devices configured to apply a force to latch. End 96 ofbiasing member 94 is coupled to flange 72 of latch 58. Other end 98 ofbiasing member 94 is coupled to a projection 100 extending from bottomside 30 of substrate 34. Preferably, the middle portion of biasingmember 94 is disposed between a pair of projections forming a slot 102extending from bottom side 30. Bracket 60 includes an arm 104 extendingbelow and towards latch 58. Arm 104 is configured to keep biasing member94 in projection 100 and slot 102.

[0055] Upper and lower cam members 62, 64 include arms 106, 108 thatextend away from ends 66, and are disposed between spaced apartprojections 78, 80. Upper and lower cam members 62, 64 also include aplurality of cam surfaces (cam surfaces 110, 112 on upper cam member 62and 114, and cam surface 116 on lower cam member 64) which areconfigured to selectively engage rail 44. On upper cam member 62, camsurface 110 is provided by end of arm 106, and cam surface 112 isprovided by a boss 118. On lower cam member 64, cam surface 114 isprovided by end of arm 108, and cam surface 116 is provided by a boss.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, bosses 90 of upper and lowercam members 62, 64 include elliptical slots 121 (shown in FIG. 14) thatreceive axle 92. Slots 121 is configured to allow the cam member to move(e.g., translate) generally perpendicular to rail 44. Such a slottedconstruction is intended to accommodate assembly tolerances, to improvethe frictional engagement of the cam surfaces and the rail. According toa particularly preferred embodiment, upper cam member 62 and lower cammember 64 are configured to rotate about the axis of rail 44 (i.e., dueto pivoting about axle 92 and movement in slot 121).

[0057] Braking or frictional engagement of rail by upper and lower cammembers 62, 64 is provided by the spacial relationship (i.e., width W)between cam surfaces 110 and 112 or between cam surfaces 114 and116—depending on the direction of force exerted on substrate 34. Width Wis a dimension perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of rail 44 and isdetermined by the relative pivotal position of upper and lower cammembers 62, 64.

[0058] The braking or friction force between upper cam member 62 andrail 44 (or between lower cam member 64 and rail 44) is generated when aforce (rearward or frontward) is exerted on substrate. For example, whena rearward force is exerted on substrate 34, the force is transferredthrough axle 92 to upper cam member 62. Upper cam member 62 then pivotsabout axle 92 and translates in slot 121 so that the width W between camsurfaces 110 and 112 decreases, thereby providing alocking/braking/friction force to resist movement of substrate 34. Whena frontward force is exerted on substrate 34, the force is transferredthrough axle 92 to lower cam member 64. Lower cam member 64 then pivotsabout axle 92 and translates in slot 121 so that the width W between camsurfaces 114 and 116 decreases, thereby providing alocking/braking/friction force to resist movement of substrate 34.

[0059] When movement of substrate 34 is desired, latch 58 is operated topivot and translate upper cam member 62 or lower cam member 64 aboutaxle 92 and slot 121 so that width W between cam surfaces 110 and 112(or between cam surfaces 114 and 116) increases, thereby reducing thelocking/braking/friction force and allow movement of substrate 34. Assuch, the selective positioning of cam mechanism 43 along rail 44provides for an infinite amount of adjustability.

[0060] Upper and lower cam members 62, 64 are biased to provide abraking or friction force to rail 44. According to a preferredembodiment, a pair of springs 122, 124 are configured to pivotally biasarms 106, 108 away from each other so that a braking or friction forceis applied to rail 44 by surfaces 110, 112, 114, 116. Applied force isintended to ensure contact of surfaces 110, 112, 114, 116 to rail 44.Spring 122 is coupled at one end to upper cam member 62 and at the otherend to a projection 126 extending from bottom side 30 of substrate 34.Spring 124 is coupled at one end to lower cam member 64 and at anotherend to a projection 128 extending from bottom side 30. As such, cammechanism 43 secures substrate 34 in place relative to liner 18. Torelease the friction force, arms 106, 108 are pivoted toward each other.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, arms 106, 108 are pivotedtoward each other by sliding latch 58 either forward or rearward. Upon asufficient reduction in the friction force, substrate 34 is movableforward along rail 44 when latch 58 is moved forward. Likewise, upon asufficient reduction in the friction force, substrate 34 is movablerearward along rail 44 when latch 58 is moved rearward. Referring toFIG. 5, by sliding latch 58 forward, projection 80 applies a force toarm 108 to pivot lower cam member 64 toward upper cam member 62, therebyreducing the braking force or friction being applied to rail 44 so thatsubstrate is slidable forward. Referring to FIG. 4, by sliding latch 58rearward, projection 78 applies a force to arm 106 to pivot upper cammember 62 toward lower cam member 64, thereby reducing the frictionforce being applied to rail 44 so that substrate is slidable rearward.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, braking or frictionengagement of rail 44 by upper and lower cam members 62, 64 is providedby the spatial relationship (i.e., width W) between cam surfaces 110,112 and cam surfaces 114, 116. For example, the farther arms 106, 108are pivoted away from each other, the smaller width W becomes (i.e., camsurface 110 on upper cam member 62 gets closer to cam surface 116 onlower cam member 64; and cam surface 112 on upper cam member 62 getscloser to cam surface 114 on lower cam member 64). Likewise, the closerarms 106, 108 are pivoted toward each other, the larger width W becomes(i.e., cam surface 110 on upper cam member 62 separates from cam surface116 on lower cam member 64; and cam surface 112 on upper cam member 62separates from cam surface 114 on lower cam member 64).

[0063] Alternatively, upper and lower members 62, 64 are biased toprovide a braking or friction force to rail 44. According to a preferredembodiment, a pair of springs 122, 124 are configured to pivotally biasarms 106, 108 away from each other. Spring 122 is coupled at one end toupper cam member 62 and at the other end to a projection 126 extendingfrom bottom side 30 of substrate 34. Spring 124 is coupled at one end tolower cam member 64 and at another end to a projection 128 extendingfrom bottom side 30. As such, cam mechanism 43 secures substrate 34 inplace relative to liner 18. To release the braking force, arms 106, 108are pivoted toward each other.

[0064] According to an alternative embodiment, the cam mechanism mayhave a pair of opposing cam members (rather than stacked upper and lowercam members). Opposing cam members is intended to provide for a thinnersubstrate profile.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 6-20, an armrest assembly 160 is shownaccording to a preferred embodiment. Armrest assembly 160 is slidablycoupled to liner 18 and includes an armrest support member comprising anarmrest cover attached to a substrate 164. Substrate 164 is the“backbone” that the components on the moving half (the armrest supportmember) of the armrest are attached to, and is configured to movebetween a stowed position (see FIG. 1) and a forward or rearward ordeployed position (see FIG. 2).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, a sliding member or slider 166 isslidably coupled to substrate 164 and is configured to move forward (orbackward) when latch 130 is actuated or released, thereby activating orreleasing a rear cam 168 (and indirectly front cam 188). Slider 166includes a pair of lateral flanges 170 that are captured by a pluralityof projections or hooks 172 extending from the bottom surface ofsubstrate 164. Slider 166 slides along the bottom surface ofsubstrate-164 while remaining engaged by hooks 172.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 6, 11, and 13, latch 130 is configured to be auser interface that activates/releases a release mechanism (e.g., aretaining or locking mechanism). Latch 130 is coupled to substrate 164about a first pivot point 133, and to slider 166 about a second pivotpoint 137. Latch 130 is coupled to slider 166 by a pivot flange 131extending from latch 130 (e.g., by a fastener such as a screw, rivet,press-in or—fit fastener, or the like). Operation of latch 130 pivotslatch 130 about first pivot point 133, which causes lateral movement inslider 166 by the coupling of a pivot member 135 to pivot flange 131 atsecond pivot point 137. Latch 130 is retained by a pair of projections180, 181 captured (completely or partially) by a pair of flanges 182,183 extending from the bottom surface of substrate 164. Preferably, oneof the projections 180 is surrounded substantially or completely by afirst flange 182, and the other projection 180 is partially retained orcaptured by the other flange 183 (e.g., to assist in assembly, or thelike).

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6, 10, and 11, a latch spring 184 is attachedto armrest substrate 164, preferably in a press-fit manner. A biasingmember (shown as a straight wire slider spring 186) is coupled tosubstrate 164 and slider 166. An end of slider spring 186 is coupled toflange 72. The other end slider spring 186 is coupled to a projection100 extending from bottom side of substrate 164. Preferably, the middleportion of slider spring 186 is disposed between a pair of projectionsforming a slot 102 extending from substrate 164. Latch spring 184 andslider spring 186 is configured to return latch 130 and slider 166 totheir original position when cycled and released (e.g., workingtogether, separately, or the like).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 6, 11, and 12 cam link or actuator 138 iscoupled to substrate 164 and slider 166. (Preferably cam actuator 138 isfixed to substrate 164 by a fastener such as screws, bolts, rivets, orthe like, but may alternatively be attached by any of a variety ofmechanism or press-fit interfaces). Cam actuator 138 rotates about afixed boss 176 on substrate 164 when slider 166 moves forward. Accordingto a preferred embodiment, cam actuator 138 includes a slot 175 that isconfigured to allow the cam actuator 138 to move (e.g., translate)generally perpendicular to rail 190. Such a slotted construction isintended to accommodate assembly tolerances, to improve the frictionalengagement of the cam surfaces and the rail.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6, 11, and 14 cams 168, 188 (e.g., levers, orthe like) are mounted to substrate 164. Cams 168, 188 provides one halfof the locking mechanism. Each cam 168, 188 locks against a rail 190 inone direction (one forward, one rearward) when the system is at nominaldesign position. When the system is activated, each cam 168, 188 rotatesabout fixed boss 92 on substrate 164 and loses contact with rail 190allowing the system to slide freely fore and aft. Cams 168, 188 includea plurality of cam or bearing surfaces 177, 179, which are configured toselectively engage rail 190.

[0071] A cam surface 192 (shown at the end of actuator 138) bearsagainst and activates/releases the front cam 188. The rear cam 168 isactivated/released by a projection 134 extending from the end of slider166. According to a preferred embodiment, bosses 90 of upper and lowercam members 168, 188 include elliptical slots 121 (shown in FIG. 14)that receive an axle.

[0072] Slots 121 is configured to allow the cam member to move (e.g.,translate) generally perpendicular to rail 190. Such a slottedconstruction is intended to accommodate assembly tolerances, to improvethe frictional engagement of the cam surfaces and the rail. According toa particularly preferred embodiment, upper cam member 168 and lower cammember 188 are configured to rotate about the axis of rail 190 (i.e.,due to pivoting about an axle and movement in slot 121).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 11 cam springs 122, 124 is configured to keepeach cam 168, 188 pulled against rail 190 when the system is at nominaldesign position. When the system is activated, these cam springs 122,124 stretch as cams 168, 188 move. When latch 130 is released, these camsprings 122, 124 will help return cams 168, 188 to their home positionagainst rail 190.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 17, a cam pivot bracket 196 is coupledto bosses 88 extending from substrate 164 (e.g., by a fastener such as ascrew or rivet, a press-in engagement, bonding or welding, etc.). Campivot bracket 196 is configured to hold both cams 168, 188 and sliderspring 186 to substrate 164. Bracket 196 includes an arm 104 extendingbelow and towards latch 130. Arm 196 is configured to keep slider spring186 in projection 100 and slot 102.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 15, a stationary member (shown as bar or rail190) is configured to provide the second half of the release mechanism.Rail 190 mounted in recesses 198, 200 in a liner 202 and staysstationary throughout the sliding movement of the armrest supportmember. When cams 168, 188 are released from rail 190, they will travelfore/aft around rail 190 until latch 130 is released and cams 168, 188return their contact to-engagement with rail 190.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, substrate 164 is also slidablycoupled to liner 18 by a pair of slider assemblies (shown as slidertracks or guides 204) configured to provide for smooth movement ofsubstrate 164 relative to liner 18, and to provide support for forcesexerted on armrest—particularly when substrate 164 is in theforward/extended/deployed position. Guides 204 includes a first track206 coupled to substrate 164, a second track 208 coupled to liner 202,and a bearing 210 located between first track 206 and second track 208.Guides 204 bridges between the fixed and sliding portions of the armrestsupport member. Guides 204 carries the moving portion of the armrestsupport member forward and aft during cycling. Also, the materialselection and particular guide design is dependent on the desiredstrength and the intended performance of the adjustable armrest.Further, the guide mechanisms or slide assemblies may be any of avariety of devices or designs configured to provide a sliding or lateraltranslational movement (e.g., dove-tail joint, conventional door ordrawer slides, greased (or ungreased) member on member interface (e.g.,plastic on plastic, plastic on metal, metal on metal, etc.), pneumaticor hydraulic cylinder, and the like.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a slide cover 212 is mounted tosubstrate 164 and is configured to cover at least a portion of slidinglatch 130 and slider 166 to protect the system and provide a positiveover rotation stop for sliding latch 130. According to a preferredembodiment, a plurality of projections 214 extending from cover 212provide a snap fit attachment. According to alternative embodiments, anyof a variety of attachment or mounting methods can be used (e.g.,fasteners, bonding, adhesive, heat staking, welding, etc.).

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 15, 19, and 20, liner 202 is attached to rail190 and guides 204 and provides the stationary portion of the armrestsupport member. When mounted in a vehicle, for example, liner 202 may bemounted to a center console or other support surface. Alternatively, thearmrest support member may be mounted directly to the center console orother support surface.

[0079] During operation, armrest assembly 160 may be moved between thestowed and deployed position by a single action of latch 130. Latch 130is actuated by the user resting his/her palm on the armrest cover 32 andgripping a handle 132 of latch 130 with his/her fingers and squeezing tolift handle 132. By lifting handle 132, handle pivots about a firstpivot point 133 so that a pivot member 135 pivots relative to a secondpivot point 137 to slide a middle portion 70 and flange 72. As flange 72slides forward, projection 134 applies a force to an arm of cam 168 andlink or actuator 138 rotates to apply a force to an arm of cam 188member (e.g., in a scissors action to pinch the cam arms).

[0080] Actuator 138 is attached to flange 72 (e.g., by a fastener, orthe like) and to boss on 176 on the bottom surface of substrate 164.Actuator 138 includes a cam surface 192 that engages the arm of cam 188.One of the apertures in actuator 138 may be slotted to allow fortransnational movement of actuator 138 during actuation. Pinching of thecam arms actuates the cam mechanism to displace both arms so that thefriction force inhibiting both forward and rearward movement of thearmrest support member. Such an embodiment is intended to provideimproved human factors and reduced user concentration for operation ofthe cam release mechanism. Biasing members (shown as springs 122) may beincluded to bias the latches in a neutral position.

[0081] According to yet another alternative embodiment shown in FIGS.21-23, the adjustable armrest includes a cam mechanism 140 having asingle cam member 142 disposed between a pair of rails 144, 146. Cammember 142 includes a pair of cam surfaces 148, 150 that engage surfacesof rails 144, 146. As cam member 142 rotates about an axis 152, frictionforce between cam surfaces 148, 150 and surfaces of rails 144, 146reduces so that armrest assembly 16 is movable between the forwardextended or stowed and rearward retracted deployed position. Preferably,an angle X provided by the cam surfaces 148 are between 90 degrees and100 degrees, and more preferably about 96 degrees. Also preferably, thebody of cam member 142 provides an angle Y that is between about 55degrees and 65 degrees relative to the pivot point or axis 152, and morepreferably about 60 degrees. As such, the adjustable armrest includes asingle cam with a pair of cam surfaces that releasably engage a pair ofrails to frictionally retain the armrest support member at any pointalong a range of movement thereof. The single cam includes a pivot axisand a body member connecting the pair of cam surfaces, the body memberbeing angled relative to the pivot axis between about 55 and 65 degrees,and the pair of cam surfaces being angled between about 90 degrees and100 degrees from the pivot axis.

[0082] According to yet another alternative embodiment shownschematically in FIGS. 24-26, the adjustable armrest includes a cammechanism 220 having a pair of cam members 222, 224 and a rail 226engaged therewith. Cam members 222, 224 includes a cam surfaces 228, 230that engage surfaces of rail 226. As cam member 222 rotates about anaxis 232 and cam member 224 rotates about an axis 234, friction forcebetween cam surfaces 228, 230 and surfaces of rail 226 reduces so thatthe armrest assembly is movable between the forward extended or stowedand rearward retracted deployed position. As such, the adjustablearmrest includes a pair of cams, each having a passage defined by a pairof cam surfaces that releasably engage a single rail to frictionallyretain the armrest support member at any point along a range of movementthereof. Cam members 222, 224 are biased in an engaged position by aspring 236 or other biasing member.

[0083] It is also important to note that the construction andarrangement of the elements of the adjustable armrest as shown in thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art whoreview this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materiallydeparting from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matterrecited in the claims. For example, any of a variety of latches orrelease mechanisms may be used to release the armrest (e.g., slidinglatch, squeezed latch, etc.). Also, the cam or release mechanism can beconfigured to be operated in any of a variety of ways (e.g., one-wayoperation such as a squeeze grip, a two-way operation so that the usermoves the user interface in the direction of the desired movement of thearmrest support member, and the like). Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined in the appended claims. The order orsequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequencedaccording to alternative embodiments. In the claims, anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention as expressed in the appended claims.

1. An armrest mounted to a base, the armrest comprising: an armrestsupport member adapted to be coupled to the base, the armrest supportmember movable in a linear direction between a first position and asecond position; a release mechanism configured to selectively engagethe armrest support member to retain the armrest support member betweenthe first position and the second position, the release mechanismincluding a rail and at least one cam member configured to pivot betweenan engaged position with the rail and a disengaged position with therail; wherein the armrest support is movable between the first positionand the second position when the at least one cam member is in thedisengaged position.
 2. The armrest of claim 1 wherein the firstposition is a forward position and the second position is a rearwardposition.
 3. The armrest of claim 2 wherein the armrest support memberis frictionally retained at any point along a range of movement thereof.4. The armrest of claim 3 wherein the release mechanism comprises a pairof cam members that releasably and variably engage a rail.
 5. Thearmrest of claim 4 wherein the a pair of cam members are biased tofrictionally engage the rail.
 6. The armrest of claim 4 wherein the apair of cam members each comprise a first cam on a first side of therail and a second cam on a second side of the rail opposite the firstside.
 7. The armrest of claim 2 wherein the release mechanism comprisesa user interface that is movable between an actuated position and aneutral position, wherein the actuated position pivots the at least onecam member so that a surface on the at least one cam member pivots awayfrom its engagement with the rail.
 8. The armrest of claim 7 wherein theuser interface is biased in the neutral position.
 9. The armrest ofclaim 7 wherein the actuated position is in a direction substantiallythe direction of the desired movement of the armrest support member. 10.The armrest of claim 9 wherein the actuated position is a forwardposition whereby the armrest support member is movable toward theforward position.
 11. The armrest of claim 7 wherein the user interfaceis at least partially recessed in at least one of the base and thearmrest support member.
 12. The armrest of claim 7 wherein the userinterface is operated by a user gripping the user interface and pivotingit toward the actuated position proximate the armrest support member.13. The armrest of claim 12 wherein the user interface is pivoted bysqueezing it toward the actuated position proximate the armrest supportmember.
 14. The armrest of claim 1 further comprising one or more guidesmounted to the base and slidably coupled to the rail.
 15. A vehicleconsole comprising: a base; an armrest support member coupled to thebase and movable in a linear direction between a first position and asecond position; a release mechanism configured to selectively engagethe armrest support member to retain the armrest support member betweenthe first position and the second position, the release mechanismincluding a rail and at least one cam member configured to pivot betweenan engaged position with the rail and a disengaged position with therail; wherein the armrest support is movable between the first positionand the second position when the cam member is in the disengagedposition; wherein the armrest support member is frictionally retained atany point along a range of movement thereof.
 16. The vehicle console ofclaim 15 wherein the release mechanism comprises a pair of cam membersthat releasably engage the rail.
 17. The vehicle console of claim 16wherein the pair of cam members are biased to frictionally the rail. 18.The vehicle console of claim 16 wherein the pair of cam members eachcomprise a first cam on a first side of the rail and a second cam on asecond side of the rail opposite the first side.
 19. The vehicle consoleof claim 15 wherein the release mechanism comprises a user interfacethat is movable between an actuated position and a neutral position. 20.The vehicle console of claim 19 wherein the user interface is biased inthe neutral position.
 21. The vehicle console of claim 19 wherein theactuated position is in a direction substantially the direction of thedesired movement of the armrest support member.
 22. The vehicle consoleof claim 19 wherein the user interface is operated by a user grippingthe user interface and pivoting it toward the armrest support member.23. The vehicle console of claim 15 wherein the base is one of a consoleand a liner.
 24. (canceled)
 25. The armrest of claim 15 wherein thearmrest is selectively positionable between a forward position and arearward position. 26-34. (canceled)
 35. A method of inhibiting themovement of an armrest that includes a base, and an armrest supportmember movable between a forward position and a rearward position, themethod comprising: providing a release mechanism having a user interfaceand a cam member reasonably engageable with a rail; operating the userinterface pivots the cam to disengage the rail so that friction isreduced between the cam and the rail sufficient to permit movement ofthe armrest support member; moving the armrest support member betweenthe forward position and the rearward position; releasing the userinterface whereby the cam pivots to engage the rail to appliessufficient friction to inhibit movement of the armrest support member.36. The method of claim 35 wherein the armrest support member ispositionable at any point along a range of movement thereof
 37. Themethod of claim 36 wherein the friction may be applied continuouslyalong the range of movement of the armrest support member.
 38. Themethod of claim 35 wherein the step of operating the user interface toreduce friction comprises applying a first force to the user interfacein a direction substantially the direction of the desired movement ofthe armrest support member.
 39. The armrest of claim 35 wherein the stepof operating the user interface to reduce friction comprises grippingthe user interface and pivoting it toward the armrest support member.40. The armrest of claim 39 wherein the step of operating the userinterface to reduce friction comprises squeezing it toward the armrestsupport member.